My experience with the nurse leadership programme

During Race Equality Week 2025 we hear from Arun Varghese, Registered Manager and Registered Nurse at Peacock House Nursing Home, as he shares his experience of the Skills for Care nurse leadership programme and how that has supported him to drive change in his workplace.

My journey in nursing commenced in India many years ago, where I embarked on my professional path as a nurse in 2009. Like many in the field, my motivation stemmed from a desire to assist others and to create a meaningful impact in their lives. After completing my nursing education in India, I gained experience in various healthcare environments before relocating to the UK. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to serve in multiple capacities within the healthcare system, ranging from nursing roles to management positions.

Upon my arrival in the UK, I started as an adaptation nurse and transitioned to a registered nurse at a care home that was facing challenges related to care quality and had a poor CQC rating. Through dedicated training and support, I advanced to the position of clinical lead, where I was instrumental in implementing significant improvements. This effort ultimately resulted in the care home achieving a 'good' CQC rating, highlighting the profound impact that effective leadership can have.

This experience marked my initial foray into leadership, and I have since been fortunate to explore a variety of roles before assuming my current position as the registered manager at Peacock Manor, where I lead a team of approximately 80 staff members. Over the years, my career has progressed, and my enthusiasm for the leadership dimension of nursing has grown, prompting me to pursue the nurse leadership programme.

In line with my ongoing commitment to enhancing my leadership skills, I chose to participate in the nurse leadership programme, which has proven to be one of the most transformative experiences of my career. This programme has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of leadership theories and practical tools that I can implement in my daily responsibilities. It has also facilitated connections with fellow leaders in the field, allowing for the exchange of experiences and the exploration of new strategies to elevate nursing practice. We now collaborate closely with our local integrated care system (ICS), fostering professional relationships with colleagues in social care, GP practices, nearby care homes, and mental health teams. The nurse leadership programme has profoundly highlighted the significance of networking in my professional journey. The shared experiences of my peers have proven to be an invaluable asset in my current position. This programme has equipped me with the necessary tools to address the intricate challenges our team’s encounter.

Consequently, we have established a ‘champion’ system, assigning specific responsibilities to individuals within our team to enhance our residents' care. For instance, we have designated a ‘nutrition champion’ to oversee dietary needs and a ‘clinical governance champion’ to manage our compliance with governance standards. With these enhancements in care quality, we are optimistic about achieving recognition under the gold standard framework (GSF) in the upcoming year.

Moreover, the programme has significantly improved our collaboration with staff members. We have revamped our review processes and introduced a suggestion box system that encourages genuine input from our team. This initiative has fostered better communication among staff, making them feel valued and acknowledged, which is crucial for maintaining a motivated and satisfied workforce. We have also successfully supported six overseas staff members in becoming registered nurses through the SIFE process, a direct result of the insights I gained during the nurse leadership programme.

Throughout my career, I have recognised the critical importance of representation in nursing. As someone from India, I understand the necessity for both patients and healthcare professionals to see themselves reflected in their caregivers. Reflecting on my early experiences in the UK, I realise that the lack of diversity in leadership roles within healthcare presented unique challenges. For nurses, especially those from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds, I highly encourage participation in the nurse leadership programme. It provides essential insights into the transformative power of leadership, not only for personal career advancement but also for the benefit of those you support and your colleagues. The programme’s focus on empowerment and development is truly invaluable.

For nurses, especially those hailing from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds, I highly encourage enrolment in the nurse leadership programme. This initiative provides critical perspectives on the transformative power of leadership, benefiting not only your professional journey but also enhancing the support you offer to patients and your fellow nurses. The programme emphasises the importance of leadership and teamwork, making it vital for anyone aspiring to create a meaningful difference in healthcare by improving quality of care. Furthermore, it serves as a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices within healthcare leadership, an essential element for the profession's future in social care.

Find out more about our new nurse leadership programme for internationally educated registered nurses.

For resources and support in driving equality in your workplace visit our Race Equality Week webpage.

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